Behavioral Therapy

Behavior therapy is focused on helping an individual understand how changing their behavior can lead to changes in how they are feeling.  It is used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, and other types of psychopathology. (Herkov, 2006)

Key Roles:

B.F. Skinner

Joseph Wolpe

B. F. Skinner                 

THE GOAL:  Focuses on increasing the person's engagement in positive or socially reinforcing activities.  This is a structured approach that measures what the patient is doing seeking to increase the chances for positive experience. (Herkov, 2006)  

TECHNIQUE: 

Self-monitoring - First stage of treatment.  Patient asked to keep log of their activities during day.

Schedule of weekly activities - Therapist and patient work together to create new activities

                                                   increasing chances of positive experience

Role playing - Used to help patient develop new skills and anticipate issues that may arise in future.

Behavior modification - Patient receives reward for engaging in positive activity.

Conditioning

Role playing (Herkov, 2006)

TREATMENT:  Behavior techniques are sometimes used with other psychological interventions such as medication.  This depends on the individual patient as well as how severe the symptoms are of the behavioral problem.  (Nawaz, 2008)

INTERESTING FACT:  Aversive therapy is another technique to is commonly used with behavior therapy.  This involves associating maladaptive behaviors with an unpleasant stimuli.  One such form used in the past is electric shock therapy although this is now considered to be unethical.  (Nawaz, 2008)

References

Herkov, M. (2006, December 10). About behavior therapy. Retrieved from

              http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/about-behavior-therapy/





Nawaz, B. (2008, April 3). Behavior therapy. Retrieved from

              http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Behavior_therapy

Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt Therapy

What is Gestalt Therapy:  Humanistic therapy technique used that focues on gaining awareness of emotions and behaviors in the present rather than the past.  The therapist does not interpret experiences for the patient but rather the therapist and patient work together to help patient understand him/herself.  ("Gestalt therapy," 2004)

Key Individuals:

Fritz Perls                                                                              

Laura Perls

Ralf Hefferline

Paul Goodman

Max Werthheimer  ("Gestalt therapy," 2004)





The Goal of Gestalt Therapy:  The major goal is self-awareness.  Patients work on uncovering and resolving interpersonal issues during therapy.  ("Gestalt therapy," 2004)

Technique:  Gestalt Therapy works by engaging in dialogue rather than by encouraging or manipulating a patient toward a therapeutic goal.  The contact is done in a caring, warm, and accepting manner.  The therapist says what he/she means and encourages the patient to do the same.  (Yontef, 1993)

Four characteristics of Gestalt dialogue:

1. Inclusion - Putting onself as much as possible without judging or analyzing while still obtaining an autonomous presence.
2. Presence - The therapist expresses him/herself to the patient with discrimination indicating feelings, experiences, preferences, etc.
3. Commitment to dialogue - Allowing contact to happen rather than manipulating it.
4. Dialogue is lived - Dialogue is done, not talked about.  Can be done through dance, song, words, etc.  (Yontef, 1993)     

Risks:  Individuals with severe mental illness may not be good candidates for Gestalt Therapy.

Results:  There is limited scientific documentation regarding the effectiveness of Gestalt Therapy.  For this reason evidence suggests this type of therapy may not be reliably effective.  The approach can be anti-intellectual and discount beliefs and thought patterns

References

Yontef, G. (1993). Gestalt therapy: an introduction.  Retrieved from             

          http://www.gestalt.org/yontef.htm

Gestalt therapt.  (2004).  Retrieved from http://medical-/

          dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Gestalttherapy

Person-Centered Theory

Person-Centered Theory/Approach

Definition:  "Person-Centered Therapy, also known as client-centered, non-directive, or Rogerian therapy, is an approach to counseling and psychotherapy that places much of the responsibility for the treatment process on the client; with the therapist taking a non-directive role."  (Person-centered therapy, 2012)

Purpose:  Two primary goals of person-centered therapy are increased self-esteem and greater openness to experience.  (Person-centered therapy, 2012)

Key Figure:

Carl Rogers                                    

• Father of Humanistic Movement;
• Core theme is therapy is non-judgmental and acceptance of the client (known as unconditional positive regard);
• He based the Person-Centered Therapy on concepts of humanistic psychology (shares many of the same concepts as Existentialism;
• Approach is also based on theory that individuals are trustworthy and that they can solve their own issues without direct intervention from therapist. (Person-centered, 2008)

Challenges:

• Assumption that the therapist knows best;
• Validation or validity of advice, suggestion, persuasion, diagnosis and interpretation;
• The belief that the client is unable to or cannot understand their own issues/problems without help. (Person-centered, 2008)

Overview:

• Self-directed growth;
• The relationship between the helper and the client;
• Individuals are architects of their own lives
• Major concept is trust. (Person-centered, 2008)

Concepts:

• Under nurturing conditions the client will be able to move forward and resolve their own issues;
• An individual can direct their own life;
• Unconditional positive regard;
• Accurate empathetic understanding. (Person-centered, 2008)

Core Conditions:

1. Two persons are in psychological contact;
2. The first, the client, is experiencing incongruency;
3. The second, the therapist, is congruent in the relationship;
4. The therapist experiences unconditional positive regard for the client;
5. Therapist experiences empathy for the client's internal frame of reference and endeavors to communicate this to the client;
6. Communication to the client, to a minimal, is achieved. (Person-centered, 2008)

 

References

Person-centered therapy. (2012). Retrieved from Person-centered therapy - children, people, used,   

             personality, theory, Definition, Purpose, Description, Normal results

             http://www.minddisorders.com/Ob-Ps/Person-centered-therapy.html

Person-centered. (2008). Retrieved from

             http://www.csun.edu/~hcpsy002/Psy460_Ch07_Handout_ppt.pdf

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-

             540&sz=all&va=carl rogers



Existential Theory

The existential approach is first and foremost philosophical. It is concerned with the understanding of people's position in the world and with the clarification of what it means to be alive. The existential therapeutic approach emphasizes "free will," the ability to make choices that are not dictated by heredity or past conditioning, through which an individual can become the person that he or she wants to be. ("Existential therapy, existential," 2005)

 Key Figures

Rollo May -  has consistently been referred to as the father of American Existential Psychology.

James Bugental -  contributed some significant writing and theory development to existential thought, more important is the video tapes on which Bugental is featured

Viktor Frankl -  alone makes his an incredible contribution to existential theory. Frankl was trained as an analyst prior to World War II in Germany. As Hitler rose in power and WWII neared, Frankl was placed in a concentration camp for the duration of the war. It is from these experiences that Frankl wrote his most significant contribution, Man's Search for Meaning.

Irvin Yalom -  wrote Existential Psychotherapy.  It is said that this book provides the best organizational structure to existential thought that exists which makes the book significant. 

Kirk Schneider -  was a student and colleague of Rollo May.  Wrote many important journal articles and books including collaboration with May on The Psychology of Existence: An integrative, clinical perspective. ("Existential therapy, existential," 2005)

Rollo May

Viktor Frankl

Irvin Yalom   

KEY CONCEPTS:

 

Key Concepts

There are six key concepts behind the Existential theory:

Proposition 1: The Capacity for Self-Awareness

It is their choice to expand awareness; Clients choose to live freely and fully. They can also choose, however, to restrict themselves.

Proposition 2: Freedom and Responsibility

People are free beings and must accept that responsibility of their actions.

People are responsible for choosing their own destinies because they chose freely from alternatives.

Proposition 3: Striving for Identity and Relationship to Others

Clients have a concern to preserve their uniqueness and identity. They learn of themselves through their interaction with others

Proposition 4: The Search for Meaning

The significance of a person’s existence is never set, rather it changes though their projects and goals. The meaning in life can be found by engaging in activities that might include commitment to creating, loving, working and building.

Proposition 5: Anxiety as a Condition of Living

Anxiety is a part of the human condition and a potential growth source. Neurotic anxiety tends to immobilize people. Normal anxiety is felt when an event is being faced. Normal anxiety comes from when people feel freedom and the consequences of accepting or rejecting the choices.

Proposition 6: Awareness of Death and Nonbeing

Death is eminent. Death is a part of living and awareness of death gives life significance. Death is not negative, but it is a motivating factor for the living. If people commit themselves to a full life, then they can be at peace nearing its end. (Park)

What are the goals of Existential Therapy?

• Living in the present.
• Increasing self-awareness and authentic living.
• Finding personal meaning.
• Coping with anxiety.
• Taking responsibility for decisions.  (Garrett, 2007)

 

EXISTENTIAL PSYCHOTHERAPY

A form of dynamic psychotherapy.
Holds a different view of inner conflict.
Conflict is between the individual and the "givens" of existence termed ultimate concerns.
1. Death.

2. Freedom.

3. Isolation.

4. Meaninglessness. (Garrett, 2007)

MAJOR CRITISCMS

Vague and global approach.

Lofty and elusive concepts.

It lacks a systematic statement of the principles and practices of psychotherapy. (Garrett, 2007)

                                          (N.A., 2011)

References

Existential therapy, existential humanistic therapy . (2005). Retrieved from http://www.depression-

                 guide.com/existential-therapy.htm

Garrett, J. (2007, October 18). Existential therapy. Retrieved from

                 http://mucounseling603theories.blogspot.com/2007/10/chapter-9-existential-therapy.html

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://indianatheists.com/2011/12/25/on-rough-rides-and-the-ride-into-the-

                 sunset/franklquote/

Park, S. J. (n.d.). Existential theory . Retrieved from http://people.unt.edu/~sjp0013/existential.htm

 

                                                        



Alderian Theory

                               

Meanings are not determined by situations. We determine ourselves by the meanings we ascribe to situations."

~ Alfred Adler.

 



                     

Adler believes:

·         human are goal directed by nature

·         that social conditions and how one sees themselves in this society can cause  

        disturbances in personality and measures need to be taken to avoid this

·         the therapist should attempt to view the world from their clients subjective

        frame of reference and that how life in reality is not as important as how

                                                         an  individual perceives it to be

•   Childhood experiences are not necessarily important - what is important is our perception of these experiences
•    It  is not unconscious instincts and our past that determine behaviour but our present perceptions. ("Adlerian therapy," 2008)  

"According to Adler, when we feel encouraged, we feel capable and appreciated and will generally act in a connected and cooperative way. When we are discouraged, we may act in unhealthy ways by competing, withdrawing, or giving up. It is in finding ways of expressing and accepting encouragement, respect, and social interest that help us feel fulfilled and optimistic.

Adlerian theory and practice have proven especially productive as applied to the growth and development of children. Adlerians believe that "a misbehaving child is a discouraged child" and that helping children to feel valued, significant, and competent is often the most effective strategy in coping with difficult child behaviors.

Adlerian Psychology focuses on people's efforts to compensate for their self-perceived inferiority to others. These feelings of inferiority may derive from one's position in the family constellation, particularly if early experiences of humiliation occurred; a specific physical condition or defect existed; or a general lack of social feeling for others was present.

Adlerians are concerned with understanding the unique and private beliefs and strategies (one's life style) that each individual creates in childhood. This cognitive schema and life style serve as the individual's reference for attitudes, behaviors, and one's private view of self, others, and the world. It is when we have looked at our early life experiences, examined the patterns of behavior that repeat themselves in our lives, and the methods by which we go about trying to gain significance and belonging that healing, growth, and change occur."  ("Alfred adler: Theory," 2012)

LYNCHPINE 7 CRITICAL IDEAS

1.  Unity of the Individual

2.  Goal Orientation

3.  Self-Determination and uniqueness

4.  Social Context

5.  The feeling of community

6.  Mental health

7.  Treatment  ("Alfred adler: Theory," 2012)

 

     (Interpretation of Adler’s dream interpretation)->

References

Alfred adler: Theory and application. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.alfredadler.edu/about/theory

Adlerian therapy. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.psychologycampus.com/psychology-counseling/adlerian-therapy.html

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-540&sz=all&va=alfred adler 

Psychoanalytic & Adlerian Theories

Psychoanalytic Theory

                                                                                                                          Carl Jung

Sigmund Freud                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 Key Figures:

Sigmund Freud

Carl Jung

Melanie Klein

Wilfred Brion

Jacques Lacan

Julia Kristeva

Slavoj Zizek

Psychoanalysis is:

• A therapeutic technique for the treatment of neurosis.
• A technique used to train psychoanalysts. A basic requirement of psychoanalytic training is to undergo a successful analysis.
• A scientific technique of critical observation. The successors and contemporaries of Freud - Carl Jung, Alfred Adle , Wilhelm Reich, Melanie Klein, Wilfred Bion, Jacques Lacan, and many others - have refined Freud's theories and advanced new theories using the basic method of quiet critical observation and study of individual patients and other events.
• A body of knowledge so acquired.
• A clinical theory
• A movement, particularly as led by Freud, to secure and defend acceptance of the theories and techniques . ("Hd fs 129:," 2008)

Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory

Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory. According to Sigmund Freud, development is primarily unconscious and behavior is motivated by unconscious/inner forces, memories, and conflicts over which a person has little control or awareness.

Although much of his theory is considered out-dated, Freud made a revolutionary contribution to the field of human development by emphasizing the idea that early childhood experiences affect our experiences as adults. ("Hd fs 129:," 2008)

 

Structure of Personality

Freud believed our personality comprised three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego, which become integrated as we grow and develop. (Quigley, 1998)

ID: internal drives/instincts, goal to maximize pleasure & avoid pain/discomfort;

EGO: addresses the demand of reality;

SUPEREGO: moral branch, evaluates right from wrong. (Quigley, 1998)

Is Psychoanalysis only a Therapy?

Although psychoanalysis began as a tool for ameliorating emotional suffering, it is not only a therapy. It is, in addition, a method for learning about the mind, and also a theory, a way of understanding the processes of normal everyday mental functioning and the stages of normal development from infancy to old age. Furthermore, since psychoanalysis seeks to explain how the human mind works, it contributes insight into whatever the human mind produces. In so doing, it has had a profound influence on many aspects of twentieth-century culture. ("Hd fs 129:," 2008)

As a general theory of individual human behavior and experience, psychoanalytic ideas enrich and are enriched by the study of the biological and social sciences, group behavior, history, philosophy, art, and literature. As a developmental theory, psychoanalysis contributes to child psychology, education, law, and family studies. Through its examination of the complex relationship between body and mind, psychoanalysis also furthers our understanding of the role of emotions in health as well as in medical illness. ("Hd fs 129:," 2008)

In addition, psychoanalytic knowledge is the basis of all other dynamic approaches to therapy. Whatever the modifications, the insights of psychoanalysis form the underpinnings of much of the psychotherapy employed in general psychiatric practice, in child psychiatry, and in most other individual, family, and group therapies. ("Hd fs 129:," 2008)

References

Hd fs 129: Introduction to human development and family studies. (2008).

             Retrieved from https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/welcome/hdfs129/lesson02_01.html

Quigley, T. R. (1998). A brief outline of psychoanalysis.

             Retrieved from http://www.panix.com/~squigle/at/psycho.html